The ramblings of a pilgrim through time, space, and life.

Menu

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell”

We have the old story of Huck Finn told by Mark Twain. The struggle in Finn’s mind.

All religious and secular thought was that it was moral and right, as citizens and god-fearing individuals to turn a slave in, to return him or her to the proper owner.

In that conflict, Huck really thought he would go to hell if he did not return Jim to his master, or at least report him. In the end, he did what he felt was right. That was directly contrary to both the legal and ecclesiastical realm.

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell.”

He would not report Jim and go on with his life. He would rather go to hell than do the injustice to his friend.

Amazing how little things have changed since that time. Slavery has passed away in this nation. But the mentality has not. Some still stick those old creeds and notions which are not divinely inspired, but still taught. They demean and belittle other men, and yet in their pious attitude go about believing they are righteous.

It was with dismay that Amanda believed she is going to hell. A friend of hers, a friend, is telling others that Amanda is going to hell.

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell.”

We are not Christians, that is what they say; just like blacks are not people. We believe in a different God, just like their skin is different. Well, if that is the way their God and church life, preach, teach, then I do not want a part of it.

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell.”

Their God condemns to hell all those who might be erring in judgment. Their God condemns all those to hell who never even had an option to err in judgment. Their God condemns to hell all those who never even had a chance to know of God. Why would I want to be in a heaven where such a God lives?

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell.”

Mormons are not Christians because we believe in a different Christ? Our Christ is a dear friend and close associate. Their God is a distant impersonal God. Our God has a body, parts, and passions. Their God has no substance, being, or place. Our God has characteristics, perfections, and attributes. Their God, well, they can’t agree on his personal characteristics.

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell.”

Our God believe sin building up people and helping them, inasmuch as they want to be helped. Our God is benevolent. Their God will tear down and lock in some burning place even the best of souls who possible erred. Their God is malevolent. In the story of Ezra Benson, our God gives a new doll to have the child leave the old doll. Their God tears apart the doll to reveal the sawdust and stray to have the child leave the doll. If that is their God…

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell.”

Just as there were those in the days of Christ who could not move on from their strict reading of the law (scriptures). So also are there those today who cannot come to Christ because they are too locked into the scriptures. They strain at a gnat and swallow a camel.

We will go on happy and leading our lives doing our own thing. We will go on peacefully building up our kingdom and Zion for Christ’s return. They can go on drawing lines in the sand and condemning everyone who dares to cross it. We don’t give much of a hoot. Why do we care if they think we don’t worship their Christ. Agree with thine adversary quickly while thou art in the way…

“All right, then, I’ll go to hell.”

If it makes them happy, in some sadistic way, then let them think we are going to hell. Just as the Jews missed Christ the last time, there seems to be a lot of Christians who are missing him this time while he is in our midst working mighty miracles.

We will worship our God, they will worship theirs; both in our delight and happiness. We will just have to see which one is more lasting. One thing is for sure though, we are learning to overcome the devil and hell now. They think they are avoiding it; even in telling us our destination. But even if we were sent to hell, we would be happy for we know the true God in whom to rely. He can save us from hell, the pit, and darkness. Theirs just condemns more souls to go there.